The Yobe State Police Command clarified on Tuesday that no minors were detained in connection with the August 1 protests over economic hardship in parts of the state. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Dungus Abdulkarim, the command’s spokesperson, made this known in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu.
NAN reported that, on August 4, the police had arrested 108 individuals allegedly involved in protests that turned violent in the towns of Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru. However, Abdulkarim specified that of the arrested individuals, 40 were minors and were promptly released. The remaining adults faced legal proceedings.
“Sixty-eight of the protesters were charged with civil disturbances and related offenses in courts of competent jurisdiction,” Abdulkarim said. “They were convicted for their actions but were subsequently granted a pardon by the state government.”
The police spokesperson also highlighted that parents and guardians of those involved were cautioned to prevent any recurrence of such incidents, emphasizing a community responsibility toward maintaining peace and order.
